MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY
WHAT IS MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY?
WHO STUDIES MEDICAL MICRO?
WHY DO WE STUDY IT?
WHERE DO WE STUDY IT?
WHAT KNOWLEDGE WILL A STUDENT
GAIN TAKING THIS COURSE?
MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY
Medical Microbiology is the study of
microorganisms:
• Bacteria
• Fungus
• Parasites
• Viruses
• Most can only be seen with the microscope!
MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY
Medical Microbiology studies are usually
performed on human blood and body fluids.
Medical Laboratory Technicians and
Medical Laboratory Technologists perform
the studies.
Education level: 2 yr. AAS or 4 yr BS
MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY
Microorganisms can cause disease in
humans.
Microbiologists determine the type of
microorganism causing the disease and find
a drug, usually an antibiotic, to inhibit the
microorganism.
Microbiologists continue to study the
microorganisms through research to
determine new antibiotics.
MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY
Microorganisms are studied in clinical
hospital laboratories, reference laboratories,
and research facilities.
MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY
All laboratories post signs regarding safety.
MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY
MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY
Safety hoods are used to avoid splashing
and inhaling possible pathogens.
MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY
A monitored refrigeration unit is essential
for accurate results in microbiology.
MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY
Reagents, such as those used in this strep
screen, aid in diagnosis of disease.
MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY
A hospital microbiology laboratory
MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY
Blood cultures are incubated and monitored
electronically for bacterial and fungus
growth.
MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY
High tech instruments are used to aid in the
identification of microorganisms.
MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY
Teamwork is essential in all types of
laboratories, including the school
laboratory.
MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY
What is growing on this agar plate?
MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY
At the end of this course, you will gain
knowledge in the following:
• Normal flora of the human body
• Microbiological disease states related to the
human body
• Media/Agar used to grow microorganisms
• Biochemical reactions of microorganisms
• Identification of microorganisms!